VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP) — A devastating series of storms swept through Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, claiming at least 15 lives and leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The severe weather decimated homes and a truck stop in Texas, where numerous individuals sought shelter in a restroom as the storms raged. The impact of the storms was most severe in a region stretching from north of Dallas to the northwest corner of Arkansas, with widespread damage reported.
In Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, seven fatalities were recorded as a tornado tore through a rural area and a mobile home park. In Oklahoma, storms claimed two lives and caused significant damage to houses, including guests at an outdoor wedding. Tens of thousands of residents were left without power across the affected areas.
The devastation in Valley View, Texas, was particularly severe, with three family members found dead in one home. Residents described the aftermath as a trail of debris left behind by the storm. The community faced destroyed homes, overturned cars, and collapsed structures, highlighting the destructive power of the weather event.
Hugo Parra, a resident who sought refuge in a truck stop bathroom near Valley View, recounted the harrowing experience of surviving the storm as it tore through the building. Emergency responders transported multiple individuals to hospitals for treatment, although the full extent of injuries was not immediately known.
The storms did not spare Arkansas, where at least five people lost their lives. In neighboring states, the destructive weather system caused widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. Roads were rendered impassable, and downed power lines added to the chaos in affected areas.
Meteorologists and authorities issued urgent warnings as the storms approached, urging residents to seek shelter and stay safe. The severe weather disrupted normal activities, with the Indianapolis 500 race experiencing a delay due to the inclement conditions. As the system moved eastward, forecasts predicted more severe weather in the Midwest, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by such extreme events.
The tragic consequences of the storms serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters, highlighting the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of severe weather events. As communities work to recover and rebuild, the impact of the storms will continue to be felt for days and weeks to come.